"I hardly expected the grand jury to sustain me, after they saw everything different from what it had been while I was there. Yet they did, and their report to the court advises all the changes made that I had proposed"

Nellie Bly, a pioneering journalist known for her investigative and undercover reporting, captures in this declaration a sense of both surprise and recognition. The quote most likely comes from a context where Bly, having carried out an examination and proposed changes, dealt with skepticism or resistance, possibly due to entrenched interests or varying preliminary perceptions of the circumstance.

The expression "I hardly anticipated the grand jury to sustain me" reflects her preliminary doubt that an official body, which usually carries the weight of authority and traditional point of views, would support her findings and proposed reforms. This doubt may have stemmed from the reality that those in power were likely to see things in a various light, influenced by their own experiences, biases, or even political considerations.

Bly's reference of the grand jury seeing "everything various from what it had actually been while I existed" recommends that there were substantial disparities between her direct observations and the current state of affairs as presented to the jury. This could indicate that conditions had been altered after her investigation, perhaps in an attempt to reject her findings or cover up concerns.

Yet, the grand jury's choice to "sustain" her and their subsequent "report to the court recommending all the changes made that I had proposed" symbolizes an unforeseen accomplishment for Bly. It highlights the power and impact of her investigative work, highlighting that regardless of preliminary resistance or varying viewpoints, the truth and need of her proposals were eventually recognized. This result not just verifies her trustworthiness and the accuracy of her investigation however also strengthens the importance of perseverance and integrity in journalism.

In essence, this quote encapsulates a minute of expert vindication for Bly, revealing the obstacles of promoting for change within resistant systems, and celebrating the ultimate recommendation of her efforts in promoting reform.